Senate Democrats push for first new Medicare benefits in decades

WASHINGTON — A group of Senate Democrats is proposing that Medicare cover home health care. This would create the first new benefit in the program since the Part D drug retail benefit more than 20 years ago.

The long-term care plan is the final part of a three-part health plan that Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and his colleagues are using to outline their vision and contrast with Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. Earlier this year, they proposed a plan to lower drug costs and a framework for a review of private health insurance.

The plan provides no details, provides no cost estimates, and does not address funding issues. In addition to creating a home care benefit, it also calls for increased spending to strengthen long-term care in Medicaid and stricter staffing standards for nursing homes. It also includes a workforce component aimed at training more long-term care workers and providing better pay and benefits.

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